Representative Loretta Sanchez (D-CA) is under scrutiny after a video revealed her using a “war cry” to distinguish between Native Americans and Indian Americans.
The comment came during a meeting with the Indian-American caucus Saturday. Sanchez, who recently entered the race for U.S. Senate against Attorney General Kamala Harris, was recounting a story in which she had gone to meet a self-described Indian American and was surprised when he turned out not to be Native American. Sanchez made a war chant sound to indicate her comic befuddlement.
Harris was told of the comment later that afternoon. “I don’t know what to say to that. That – that – that’s shocking,” she said, per the Los Angeles Times. Harris is part Indian.
Harris and Sanchez are battling for the Democratic nomination to replace outgoing Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA). Harris enjoys broad party support, and Sanchez has indicated that she was “threatened” not to challenge the frontrunner.
Watch video of Sanchez’s comment below, via YouTube:
[h/t via Los Angeles Times]
[Image via screengrab]